Bottle and safety cap for use therewith

ABSTRACT

A bottle on which a double-cap assembly is applied, an outer cap member of the safety cap assembly threadably engaging a lower neck portion of the bottle and encircling an inner cap member, the inner cap member threadably engaging an upper neck portion of the bottle and the neck portions being oppositely threaded so that removing the cap members from the bottle requires some manipulation, thereby preventing easy removal of the cap assembly from the bottle by a child.

limited States Patent Earl R. Johnson 4 Kanathn SL, Blackstone, Mm. 01504 853,293

Aug. 27, 1969 Aug. 24, 1971 [72] inventor [21] Appl. No. [22] Filed [45 Patented [54] BOTTLE AND SAFETY CAP FOR USE THEREWITH 7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 215/9, 215/97 [51] Int. Cl. ..B65d 55/02 [50] 215/9, 97, 98 [56] RefereneesCited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,198,948 9/1916 Newton 215/9 2,816,677 12/1957 Allan 215/9 3,027,035 3/1962 Farago... 215/9 3,265,233 8/1966 Tuuri 215/9 Primary ExaminerDonald F. Norton Attorney-Salter & Michaelson ABSTRACT: A bottle on which a double-cap assembly is applied, an outer cap member of the safety cap assembly threadably engaging a lower neck portion of the bottle and encircling an inner cap member, the inner cap member threadably engaging an upper neck portion of the bottle and the neck portions being oppositely threaded so that removing the cap members from the bottle requires some manipulation, thereby preventing easy removal of the cap assembly from the bottle by a child.

PATENTED magma?! 274 INVENTOR EARL H. JOHNSON M 1 Limb.

ATTORNEYS BOTTLE AND SAFETY CAP FOR USE THEREWITH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a bottle and safety cap and has particular application for use as a container for medicines such as aspirin, prescription pills and toxic liquids and the like that would normally be found in the household and that might be accessible to a child.

The accidental poisoning of children who swallow aspirin or prescription pills or the like has occurred many times and is a continuing problem, since the use of such medicines by adults is necessary and does require the storing thereof in some place in the household. Even though poisonous or toxic medicines are deliberately stored in out-of-the-way places in the home, curious children still seem to gain access to the medicines and, in imitating their parents, will often swallow the medication with tragic results.

Some efforts have been made heretofore to bottle prescription pills, aspirin and the like in containers having specially designed caps that prevent the cap from being inadvertently removed from the bottle. However, even these heretoforeknown bottle and cap constructions have taken the form generally of a friction-type cap that only requires some special effort to dislodge the cap from the bottle. Such caps have not always been a deterrent to curious children from gaining access to the medication within the container, and thus these heretoforeknown specially designed caps and containers have not always solved the problem for which they were intended.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a container that is defined by a hollow body having a first threaded neck section formed thereon to which a second threaded neck section is joined, the diameter of the second neck section being reduced with respect to that of the first neck section. A cap assembly is mountable on the neck sections and includes an outer cap that is threadably engageable with the first neck section and an inner cap that is connected to the outer cap and that is threadably engageable with the second neck section. The caps are rotatable relative to each other so that each cap is mounted on its respective neck section independently of the outer cap and a spring interconnects the caps for normally retaining the outer cap and a spring interconnects the caps for normally retaining the outer cap in enveloping relation around the inner cap, the outer cap being movable relative to the inner cap and against the action of the spring when the caps are mounted on their respective neck sections.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a container and safety cap for use therewith wherein the safety cap includes a dual cap construction that prevents easy access to the interior of the container.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bottle and safety cap wherein the bottle includes a double neck construction that accommodates the safety cap thereon, the safety cap including an outer cap member and an inner cap member, the cap members being movable relative to each other in the application thereof to the neck of the bottle.

Still another object is to provide a dual cap construction for use on a specially designed neck portion of a bottle, the dual cap construction including cap members that are interconnected by means of a spring, the spring providing for relative movement of one cap member with respect to the other cap member when the cap construction is applied to the neck portion of the bottle.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying drawmg.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the drawing which illustrates the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bottle embodied in the present invention with the safety cap for use therewith mounted thereon;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing the bottom or outer cap member located in the upper or nonengaging position thereof;

FIG.'4 is an enlarged sectional view of the cap assembly with parts shown in elevation illustrating the position of the cap members prior to the mounting thereof on the neck portion of the bottle; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the dual cap construction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to thedrawing, the container embodied in the present invention is generally indicated at 10 and includes a hollow body, generally indicated at 12, on which a cap assembly, generally indicated at 14, is mounted. It is understood that the hollow body 12 may be formed of any conventional material, such as plastic or glass, although it is contemplated that the body 12 will be molded of a suitable plastic material in the desired configuration. In this connection, it is also understood that the body 12 may be molded in any suitable design, depending upon the requirements of use. As is also evident, the cap assembly 14 is preferably molded of a plastic material, the kind of plastic material that is used being dependent upon the requirements for use of the container.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the body portion 12 of the container 10 is formed with a specially designed neck portion that is defined by a lower neck section 16 and an upper neck section 18. The outer diameter of the lower neck section 16 is somewhat greater than theouter diameter of the upper neck section 18 and, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the exterior walls of the neck sections 16 and 18 are formed with threads thereon that are oppositely pitched, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cap assembly 14 is illustrated and includes an inner cap member, generally indicated at 20, and an outer cap member, generally indicated at 22. The inner cap member 20 is defined by a cylindrical body 24 that is internally threaded, as indicated at 26. The outermost wall of the body 24 is recessed, as indicated at 28, and includes a rib 30 that defines a finger grip and provides for rotating of the inner cap 20 during assembly or removal of the cap assembly 14 from the body portion 12. Joined to the opposite end of the inner cap body 24 is a lower peripheral wall 32 to which a flange 34 is joined along the margin thereof. Located in engagement with the peripheral wall 32 and enveloped by the flange 34 is a washer 36 that is retained in position by deforming of the outer edge of the flange 34, as indicated at 38. It is understood that the washer 36 is snapped over the deformation 38 to the position as illustrated in FIG. 4.

As more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the outer cap member 22 envelopes the inner cap member 20 and is formed with a hollow body portion 40 that is internally threaded, as

indicated at 42. The internal threaded portion 42 of the outer cap member 22 is receivable on the neck section 16of the body portion 12 and is oppositely pitched to that of the threaded portion 18 of the inner cap member 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the body portion 40 of the outer cap member 22 is formed with an outer wall 44 in which opening 45 is defined, the opening 45 receiving the body 24 of the inner cap member 20 in slidable relation therein. The outer surface of the body 40 is also formed with vertical striations 43 that define finger gripping means.

The outer cap member 22 and inner cap member 20 are designed to be assembled as a unit and, in order to interengage the cap members 20 and 22, a spring member 46 is provided and is joined to the outer cap member 22 through a washer 48 that is fixed within the body portion 40 to the outer cap member at the upper end thereof. The washer 48 is snapped over an annular projection 50 within the body 40 to the position illustrated in FIG. 4, and, as shown, the uppermost end of the spring member 46 is secured to the washer 48 in any convenient manner, such as by welding, riveting, or by any suitable adhesive. The lowermost end of the spring member 46 is similarly secured to the washer 36 in any convenient manner, such as indicated above.

The spring member 46 is constructed so that in the normal position thereof, the outer cap member 22 is held or retained in an upper position and in enveloping relation around the body 24 of the inner cap member 20, as illustrated in FIG. 4. When the cap assembly 14 is to be applied to the neck sections of the body portion 12, the inner cap member is first threadably mounted on the upper neck section 18, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The outer cap member 22 is then moved downwardly against the action of the spring member 46 until the interior threaded portion 42 engages the neck section 16. The outer cap member 22 is then rotated in a direction that is counter to the mounting movement of the inner cap member 20. That is to say, if the inner cap member 20 is secured on the neck section 18 by a clockwise rotating movement, the outer cap member 22 is secured on the neck section 16 by a counterclockwise rotating movement. With the outer cap member 22 mounted in place on the neck section 16, the spring member 46 is compressed, as illustrated in FIG. 2, so that when the outer cap member 22 is released from the neck section 16, it will normally spring upwardly to the position enveloping the inner cap member 20, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. The inner cap member 20 is thereafter removed from its neck section 18 to disengage the cap assembly 14 from the container. It is seen that when the cap assembly 14 is mounted on the neck sections of the container, removal of the cap assembly can only be accomplished by first rotating the outer cap member 22 in one direction and then rotating the inner cap member 20 in the opposite direction. It is seen that such movement of the caps is not a usual construction for medicine bottles and the oppositely pitched threaded portions of the caps and their respective neck sections define a construction that will normally defeat the manipulation of a child in attempting to remove the cap assembly from the container.

Although the cap assembly 14, as mounted on the body portion 12 of the container, defines a structure that is unusual in medicine containers, it is understood that the bottle and cap are relatively simple in construction and may be inexpensively manufactured and assembled for use.

What is claimed is:

1. In a container, a hollow body, a neck portion joined to said body and including a first threaded neck section and a second threaded neck section joined to said first neck section, the outer diameter of said second neck section being reduced with respect to that of said first neck section, a cap assembly mountable on said neck portion and including an outer cap that is threadably engageable with said first neck section and an inner cap interconnected to said outer cap and being threadably engageable with said second neck section, said caps being rotatable relative to each other so that each cap is mounted on its respective neck section independently of the other cap, said outer cap being located in enveloping relation around said inner cap before mounting of said caps on their respective neck sections, and a spring member interconnecting said caps for normally retaining the outer cap in enveloping relation around the inner cap, said outer cap being axially movable relative to said inner cap and against the action of said spring member when said caps are mounted on their respective neck sections.

2. In a container as set forth in claim 1, the threaded portion of said first neck section having an opposite pitch relative to the threaded portion of said second neck section, wherein said caps are removable from or insertable on their respective neck sections by an oppositely directed rotating movement thereof.

3. In a container, a hollow body, a neck portion joined to said body and including a first threaded neck section and a second threaded neck section joined to said first neck section, the outer diameter of said second neck section being reduced with respect to that of said first neck section, a cap assembly mountable on said neck portion and including an outer cap that is threadably engageable with said first neck section and an inner cap interconnected to said outer cap and being threadable engageable with said second neck section, said caps being rotatable relative to each other so that each cap is mounted on its respective neck section independently of the other cap, a spring member interconnecting said caps and providing for relative movement therebetween, means fixed to said outer cap for joining one end of said spring member thereto, and means fixed to said inner cap for joining the other end ofsaid spring thereto.

4. In a container as set forth in claim 3, said means fixed to said outer cap including a washer located interiorly of the outer cap adjacent to the upper wall thereof.

5. In a container as set forth in claim 4, said means fixed to said inner cap including a washer located cxteriorly of said inner cap adjacent to the lower end thereof.

6. In a container as set forth in claim 3, said inner cap including an annular peripheral wall joined to the lower lowermost end thereof, a washer received on said cap at the lower end thereof and engaging said annular peripheral wall, and an annular flange joined to said wall and having projections formed thereon that overlie said washer for securing said washer to said inner cap,

7. In a container as set forth in claim 6, a washer located within said outer cap at the upper end thereof, the inner surface of said outer cap being deformed to overlie said washer thereby locking said inner washer to said outer cap. 

1. In a container, a hollow body, a neck portion joined to said body and including a first threaded neck section and a second threaded neck section joined to said first neck section, the outer diameter of said second neck section being reduced with respect to that of said first neck section, a cap assembly mountable on said neck portion and including an outer cap that is threadably engageable with said first neck section and an inner cap interconnected to said outer cap aNd being threadably engageable with said second neck section, said caps being rotatable relative to each other so that each cap is mounted on its respective neck section independently of the other cap, said outer cap being located in enveloping relation around said inner cap before mounting of said caps on their respective neck sections, and a spring member interconnecting said caps for normally retaining the outer cap in enveloping relation around the inner cap, said outer cap being axially movable relative to said inner cap and against the action of said spring member when said caps are mounted on their respective neck sections.
 2. In a container as set forth in claim 1, the threaded portion of said first neck section having an opposite pitch relative to the threaded portion of said second neck section, wherein said caps are removable from or insertable on their respective neck sections by an oppositely directed rotating movement thereof.
 3. In a container, a hollow body, a neck portion joined to said body and including a first threaded neck section and a second threaded neck section joined to said first neck section, the outer diameter of said second neck section being reduced with respect to that of said first neck section, a cap assembly mountable on said neck portion and including an outer cap that is threadably engageable with said first neck section and an inner cap interconnected to said outer cap and being threadable engageable with said second neck section, said caps being rotatable relative to each other so that each cap is mounted on its respective neck section independently of the other cap, a spring member interconnecting said caps and providing for relative movement therebetween, means fixed to said outer cap for joining one end of said spring member thereto, and means fixed to said inner cap for joining the other end of said spring thereto.
 4. In a container as set forth in claim 3, said means fixed to said outer cap including a washer located interiorly of the outer cap adjacent to the upper wall thereof.
 5. In a container as set forth in claim 4, said means fixed to said inner cap including a washer located exteriorly of said inner cap adjacent to the lower end thereof.
 6. In a container as set forth in claim 3, said inner cap including an annular peripheral wall joined to the lower lowermost end thereof, a washer received on said cap at the lower end thereof and engaging said annular peripheral wall, and an annular flange joined to said wall and having projections formed thereon that overlie said washer for securing said washer to said inner cap.
 7. In a container as set forth in claim 6, a washer located within said outer cap at the upper end thereof, the inner surface of said outer cap being deformed to overlie said washer thereby locking said inner washer to said outer cap. 